Funding Opportunities

Jacksonville Urbanized Area Transportation Funding Opportunities The application deadlines for the Jacksonville Urbanized Area Section 5316 and 5317 grant programs are 4 p.m. on February 4, 2013.

The JTA utilizes grant and service planning resources to help neighboring counties and their Community Transportation Coordinators (CTC) by passing through Federal funding and assistance to create a regional transit system. Since 2000, over 4 million dollars in FTA’s Job Access and Reverse Commute (Section 5316), New Freedom (Section 5317) and DOL’s TANF program funds have been passed through to our neighboring counties.

In August 2005, Congress passed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) reauthorizing the Surface Transportation Act. As part of this reauthorization, specific funding was allocated to large urban areas under the Section 5316 as well as Section 5317, to promote human service coordination and improve mobility for underserved populations.

Noting the commitment of the JTA to support regional coordination in accordance with the Northeast Florida Coordinated Mobility Plan, and based upon the support of the agencies comprising the Northeast Florida Mobility Coalition, the Governor has authorized the Jacksonville Transportation Authority to be the Designated Recipient for FTA Sections 5316 and 5317 funds allocated to the Jacksonville Urban Area.

Job Access and Reverse Commute Program (5316)The Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program was established to address the unique transportation challenges faced by welfare recipients and low-income persons seeking to obtain and maintain employment. Many new entry-level jobs are located in suburban areas, and low-income individuals have difficulty accessing these jobs from their inner city, urban, or rural neighborhoods. In addition, many entry level-jobs require working late at night or on weekends when conventional transit services are either reduced or non-existent. Finally, many employment related-trips are complex and involve multiple destinations including reaching childcare facilities or other services. 5316 Northeast FL Manual 2014 (PDF)5316 Northeast FL Manual 2014 (Doc.)5316 NOFA (FY 2014)

New Freedom Program (5317)The New Freedom formula grant program aims to provide additional tools to overcome existing barriers facing Americans with disabilities seeking integration into the work force and full participation in society. Lack of adequate transportation is a primary barrier to work for individuals with disabilities. The 2000 Census showed that only 60 percent of people between the ages of 16 and 64 with disabilities are employed. The New Freedom formula grant program seeks to reduce barriers to transportation services and expand the transportation mobility options available to people with disabilities beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. 5317 Northeast FL Manual 2014 (PDF)5317 Northeast FL Manual 2014 (Doc.)5317 NOFA (FY2014)

Jacksonville Urbanized Area Sections 5316 and 5317 Program Timeline November 27, 2012 - Applications for funding become availableFebruary 4, 2013 - Applications for project funding are due at TPO the last week of February 2013. Competitive Selection Committee will score and prioritize project applicationsMarch 28, 2013 – Request is submitted to the JTA Board for approval of the program of projectsMay 2013 - Program of Projects will be submitted to the FTA for preliminary reviewJune 2013 - Program of Projects will be formally submitted to the FTA for DOL review (if required)October 1, 2013 – Funding is anticipated to be available for the approved projects(note: no project funds shall be obligated or expended until the Sub-Award Agreement has been formally signed by both the JTA and the Sub-Recipient)